Long-Term Care: Providers May Have To Swallow Costlier Meds In 2006

Why This Topic Matters

Long-term care organizations need to understand how coverage changes and quality-measure updates could affect resident medication access, care continuity, and facility responsibilities. The article helps readers gauge policy developments that may influence pharmacy operations, payer coordination, and quality reporting.

Article Sections

1. Coverage changes and long-term care impact

   Discusses how the Medicare prescription drug benefit may affect medication access in nursing facilities and why state coverage decisions could matter in 2006. The section frames the issue for dual-eligible residents and long-term care providers.

2. ASCP study findings

   Summarizes findings from an American Society of Consultant Pharmacists study about potential care and cost implications. The discussion stays at a policy level and focuses on the study’s overall concerns.

3. NCQA counterpoint and proposed HEDIS standards

   Introduces the National Committee for Quality Assurance response and its proposed quality measures within HEDIS. This section explains the broader quality-reporting context without detailing measure specifics.